Why Is A Green Jacket Presented to the Masters Winner? By Brent Kelley Updated November 03, 2016. Each year, the winner of The Masters is presented with the famous "Green Jacket." Slipping on the green jacket is the golden moment for many winners of the tournament. But how did a green jacket come to be such a big deal? What is the story behind the venerated Green Jacket? Origins of the Masters Green Jacket Let's face it: If you saw someone walking around in public in a shamrock green jacket, you might wonder if that person was fashion-challenged. But the Green Jacket presented to the Masters champion is one beautiful piece of outerwear. The tradition of the Green Jacket at Augusta National Golf Club dates to 1937. That year, members of the club wore green jackets during the tournament so that fans in attendance could easily recognize them if a fan needed to ask questions. One of the inspirations for the idea was provided by a dinner that Augusta National co-founder Bobby Jones attended at Royal Liverpool . The English links club's captains were adorned in red jackets during that dinner, to stand out. continue reading below our video Greatest Quarterbacks of All Time?

Augusta National co-founder and club chairman Clifford Roberts embraced the idea of an identifying piece of clothing for club members - something that would make it easy for non-members (and tournament attendees) to recognize an Augusta member. According to the tournament's official website, Masters.com: "Jackets were purchased from the Brooks Uniform Company, New York City ... Members were not initially enthusiastic about wearing the warm, green coat. Within several years, a lightweight, made-to-order Jacket was available from the Club's Golf Shop. ... The single breasted, single vent Jacket's color is 'Masters Green' and is adorned with an Augusta National Golf Club logo on the left chest pocket. The logo also appears on the brass buttons." Presenting the Green Jacket to the Masters Winners Soon after its public debut in 1937, the Green Jacket became the symbol of membership in the ultra-exclusive Augusta National Golf Club. And winners of the Masters Tournament began, themselves, receiving green jackets at the 1949 Masters . The winners all become members of the Champions Club at Augusta. From 1937 through 1948, only Augusta National members wore the green jackets; from 1949 onward, the tournament winner also got one.

By the way, in those early years it was just as common to hear Masters players and Augusta members refer to the garment as the "green blazer" or "green coat," as it was for them to use "green jacket." Who Was the First Masters Champ Presented with the Green Jacket? You already know the jacket was first presented to the Masters winner following the 1949 tournament. And the winner that year was Sam Snead . At that time, the club also had jackets made for each of the previous winners of the Masters. For more, see: Who was the first Masters champion awarded the Green Jacket? Does the Masters Winner Get to Keep the Jacket? The short answer: The Green Jacket stays with the new winner for one year. When they return to Augusta National the following year for the next Masters, they return the jacket. But each winner can have his own version of the jacket made to keep at home. For more, see: Do Masters champions get to keep the Green Jacket? Last Year's Champ Puts the Green Jacket on the New Winner Following the completion of each Masters Tournament, the Green Jacket ceremony is held, where the new champion is presented with the green jacket.

That jacket is one that tournament officials have retrieved from the locker room, guesstimating what will fit best the new winner. Later, the champ is measured and a jacket custom made for him. As for who puts the jacket on the new winner at the post-tournament ceremony: The previous year's champ slips the Green Jacket onto the new winner. Ah, but what if a golfer wins back-to-back Masters? He can't present himself with the jacket the second time around. In that case, the Augusta National Golf Club chairman has the duty of slipping the jacket onto the winner. Related FAQ: Why is the Masters green jacket green? Why is the Masters green jacket green? Unraveling the origins of the most famous piece of clothing in sports. Post to Facebook Why is the Masters green jacket green? Unraveling the origins of the most famous piece of clothing in sports. Check out this story on USATODAY.com: CancelSend A link has been sent to your friend's email address. Posted! A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. 10 To find out more about Facebook commenting please read the Conversation Guidelines and FAQs Why is the Masters green jacket green?

Chris Chase, USA TODAY Sports Published 1:00 p.m. ET April 14, 2013 | Updated 1:11 p.m. ET April 14, 2013 12 Shares The green jacket is as synonymous with the Masters as springtime, azaleas and Jim Nantz talking about tradition in a soothing whisper. Annually presented to the tournament champion by the reigning victor, it's one of the most widely recognized symbols in sports. But how did it get started? How do they instantly fit the winner? And, most importantly, why is it green? To take the last question first: mainly because it makes more sense than a red jacket. The tradition of the green jacket started in 1937 when Masters officials wanted club members to become more identifiable to guests. It was also said that the jackets alerted waiters at Augusta National about who was picking up the check at meals. (This is important information if you're trying to weasel out of paying next time Billy Payne or Condoleeza Rice has you to the club for dinner.) Up until 1949, club members were the only men with green jackets.

When Sam Snead won the tournament that year, he was given a jacket of his own. The tradition continues today. To think, the most famous piece of clothing in sports was originally conceived as a crowd-control measure. It's like if the NBA started awarding bright yellow jackets to winners because of the outfits worn by security personnel or if the Academy Awards gave red velvet sport coats to winners as an homage to the ushers of yesteryear. Other interesting facts about the green jacket: • The Cincinnati company that makes the green jackets last ordered the necessary emerald-colored fabric in 1990 . The 500-yard roll had enough material to make 200 jackets. • Australian wool is the main component of the jacket, which is especially interesting given the Aussies historic ineptitude at Augusta. • It takes one month and costs $250 to make each jacket, though the club won't officially confirm the price. • Those brass buttons don't appear to signify anything, other than looking like a boss. How does the tournament make sure the winner is presented with a green jacket that fits? Masters officials watch the leader board on Sunday and try to have a wide range of sizes available.

Eventually, the victor is given a custom-made jacket with his name stitched inside. He is allowed to take it off site for his championship year. After that, the jacket remains at Augusta. PHOTOS: Sunday at the Masters A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. Adam Scott poses after receiving the green jacket for winning The Masters Sunday. Michael Madrid, USA TODAY Sports Adam Scott receives the green jacket from 2012 Masters champion Bubba Watson after winning tournament in sudden death on Sunday. Michael Madrid, USA TODAY Sports Adam Scott celebrates after making his putt on the 2nd playoff hole to win the 2013 The Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports Adam Scott celebrates with caddie Steve Williams after making a birdie putt on the 18th green. Scott went into a playoff with Angel Cabrera. Michael Madrid, USA TODAY Sports Angel Cabrera (right) celebrates with caddie Angel Cabrera Jr. after making a birdie putt on the 18th green to get into a playoff with Adam Scott. Michael Madrid, USA TODAY Sports Angel Cabrera celebrates with caddie Angel Cabrera Jr.

after making a birdie putt on the 18th green to get into a playoff with Adam Scott. Michael Madrid, USA TODAY Sports Adam Scott celebrates after making a birdie putt on the 18th green. Michael Madrid, USA TODAY Sports Fans pull out the umbrellas. Michael Madrid, USA TODAY Sports Angel Cabrera of Argentina hugs caddie Angel Cabrera, Jr. after Cabrera makes a birdie putt on the 18th hole to force a playoff with Adam Scott. Harry How Getty Images Adam Scott of Australia celebrates with caddie Steve Williams after making a birdie on the 18th hole Andrew Redington Getty Images Bernhard Langer looks for his ball in the rough and azaleas. Michael Madrid, USA TODAY Sports Angel Cabrera and Brandt Snedeker on the 13th green Michael Madrid, USA TODAY Sports Angel Cabrera walks across the Nelson Bridge. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports Angel Cabrera reacts after missing a putt. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports Adam Scott waves to the crowd after making a putt. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports Angel Cabrera putts on the 10th green.

Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports Angel Cabrera lines up his approach shot. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports Brandt Snedeker walks on the 10th hole Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports Jason Day studies his shot. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports Tiger Woods reacts after missing a birdie putt. Jack Gruber-USA TODAY USA TODAY Sports Jason Day hits out of a bunker and ends up with birdie. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports Marc Leishman takes a drop. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports Adam Scott exchanges clubs with caddie Steve Williams. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports Angel Cabrera and Brandt Snedeker walk on the 9th fairway. Mike Ehrmann Getty Images Angel Cabrera reacts after hitting out of a bunker. Jack Gruber-USA TODAY USA TODAY Sports Matt Kuchar looks out from behind a tree after hitting out of the rough. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports Fans make their way across a cross walk as Tiger Woods walks up the 7th fairway with caddie Joe LaCava. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports Tiger Woods lines up a putt at the Masters.

Michael Madrid, USA TODAY Sports Fullscreen Apr 14, 2013; Augusta, GA, USA; Steve Stricker chips onto the 6th green during the final round of the 2013 The Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports ORG XMIT: USATSI-120108 ORIG FILE ID: 20130414_jla_usa_285.jpg Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports USA TODAY Sports Angel Cabrera walks up the 3rd fairway with Brandt Snedeker. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports Bernhard Langer walks under an umbrella Jack Gruber-USA TODAY USA TODAY Sports Brandt Snedeker protects himself from the slight rain at Augusta. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports Adam Scott walks to the green. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports Marc Leishman hits out of a bunker. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports Brandt Snedeker hits his tee shot. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports Angel Cabrera hits his tee shot on the 8th hole.

Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports Tiger Woods and caddie Joe LaCava are surrounded by a mob at Augusta. Michael Madrid, USA TODAY Sports Jason Day reacts after holing a shot from the bunker. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports Jason Day holes a shot from the bunker. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports Lindsey Vonn (left) is seen with a knee brace as she attends the final round. Michael Madrid, USA TODAY Sports Tiger Woods walks to the 2nd green. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports Tim Clark hits an approach shot. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports Angel Cabrera, of Argentina, discusses his next shot with his caddie son Angel Cabrera, Jr. David J. Phillip AP Tiger Woods mimics his swing before hitting a shot. Jack Gruber-USA TODAY USA TODAY Sports Rickie Fowler hits out of a bunker Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports Bernhard Langer putts on the 2nd green. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports Kultida Woods (left) the mother of Tiger Woods with Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn.

Michael Madrid, USA TODAY Sports Tiger Woods putts on the 2nd green Michael Madrid, USA TODAY Sports Kultida Woods (middle) the mother of Tiger Woods with publicist Glenn Greenspan (left) and Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn. Michael Madrid, USA TODAY Sports Tiger Woods putts on the 1st green Michael Madrid, USA TODAY Sports Jim Furyk hits out of a bunker on the 2nd hole. Michael Madrid, USA TODAY Sports Nick Watney hits from the 2nd fairway. Michael Madrid, USA TODAY Sports Tiger Woods hits out of the rough next to a tree on the first hole during the final round Michael Madrid, USA TODAY Sports Tiger Woods stands with caddie Joe LaCava Michael Madrid, USA TODAY Sports Tiger Woods hits his tee shot on the 1st hole. Michael Madrid, USA TODAY Sports Bernhard Langer checks his yardage book.

Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports USA TODAY Sports Tiger Woods and Tim Clark walk up the 1st fairway Michael Madrid, USA TODAY Sports Tim Clark hits a shot from the 1st fairway Michael Madrid, USA TODAY Sports Rickie Fowler hits out of a bunker Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports USA TODAY Sports Ernie Els hits his tee shot Michael Madrid, USA TODAY Sports A view of flags on top of the main scoreboard. Michael Madrid, USA TODAY Sports Guan Tianlang walks with Sandy Lyle up the 7th fairway. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports Phil Mickelson watches a tee shot. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports Phil Mickelson walks to the 7th tee. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports Guan Tianlang hits his tee shot on the third hole at the Masters. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports Guan Tianlang walks off the 3rd tee box. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports Guan Tianlang walks off the 18th green after completing his first Masters. Don Emmert, AFP/Getty Images A view of fans line up along the 1st tee box. Michael Madrid, USA TODAY Sports Patrons line the first tee box to watch Luke Donald and K.J.

Choi. Michael Madrid, USA TODAY Sports Guan Tianlang points after he tees off on the 10th hole. Andrew Redington, Getty Images David Lynn bumps fists with a patron. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports A view of folding chairs set up along the 18th green. Michael Madrid, USA TODAY Sports Patrons sit near the clubhouse along the 1st tee. Michael Madrid, USA TODAY Sports Trevor Immelman hits his tee shot on the 7th hole Jack Gruber-USA TODAY USA TODAY Sports Sandy Lyle hits his tee shot on the 3rd hole during the final round of the 2013 Masters. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports A course worker holds back the gallery as Bubba Watson hits out of the rough. Charlie Riedel, AP A view of the main scoreboard and azaleas. Michael Madrid, USA TODAY Sports Rory McIlroy hits his tee shot on the 6th hole. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports Ryan Moore hits a shot from the 2nd fairway. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports Spectators cover their heads on an errant tee shot from Jose Maria Olazabal.

Darron Cummings, AP Rory McIlroy walks up the 6th fairway. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports Phil Mickelson runs after hitting a shot from behind a bunker. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports Ryo Ishikawa, of Japan, reacts to his second shot on the seventh hole. David J. Phillip, AP Like this topic? You may also like these photo galleries: Replay Green Jacket from First Masters Winner Uncovered; Up for Bid Green Jacket from First Masters Winner Uncovered; Up for Bid August 25, 2013 By Rich Mueller The Green Jacket presented to the winner of the first-ever Masters Tournament in 1934 has been located and is up for bid, appropriately enough, at Green Jacket Auctions . Bidding began on Wednesday for the Jacket, presented to Horton Smith 15 years after he was victorious at Augusta. As of Sunday night, it had already surpassed $60,000 with 12 days remaining. Nearly every Masters Champion’s Green Jacket had been accounted for except the one presented to Smith when Augusta National Golf Club decided to make it a tradition in 1949.

Smith, who also won at Augusta in 1936, died in 1963. According to the auction company, the bulk of his estate, including the one Green Jacket he was given, passed to his brother Ren Smith, whose second wife inherited the jacket, which she later left to her two sons. They had kept it in a closet for years but have decided to sell it in hopes that it winds up on display in a museum or in a private collection. Early bidding would indicate the Jacket will sell for well into six figures. The Green Jacket wasn’t always a sports icon. Augusta didn’t even start handing them out until Sam Snead won in 1949, but then retroactively awarded them to the nine former tournament champions from 1934-38. Those Jackets are referred to as the “Original 10” and the auction house says it’s the only one of those to ever be offered for public auction. The Horton Smith jacket is a two-button, single-breasted Size 43L and has his name on a tag inside along with the 1949 date. It’s believed to have been manufactured by Brooks Uniform Co.

11 Dapper Facts About the Masters’ Green Jacket | Mental Floss 11 Dapper Facts About the Masters’ Green Jacket getty images Like us on Facebook They may not be the height of fashion, but the green jacket Augusta National awards to the winner of the Masters tournament is one of sports’ most revered prizes. Here’s everything you need to know about the flashy garment. 1. The green jackets weren’t always trophies. Augusta National opened in 1933, and in 1937, members started wearing green jackets. Founder Clifford Roberts hoped that the conspicuous jackets would help members stand out as “reliable sources of information” for visitors and signal who should get the check at dinner. 2. Nobody wanted to wear those original green jackets. As the story goes, Roberts made a bulk order of heavy wool jackets from the Brooks Uniform Company of New York when he began the tradition. Members complained about the impractical choice for the warm Georgia spring, but all were too mindful of their manners to remove the stifling garment. 3. Today’s jackets are cooler. Getty Images Practicality eventually prevailed on the temperature front. Modern jackets are a blend of tropical-weight wool and polyester. 4. The jackets are created in Cincinnati.

Cincinnati clothier the Hamilton Tailoring Company has been crafting the standard green jackets since 1967. While the assembly is done in Cincinnati, the components of a green jacket come from all over the country. The wool blend originates at Victor Forstmann Inc. in Dublin, Ga. The custom brass buttons are made by Connecticut’s Waterbury Button Co., and the iconic breast-pocket patch is the handiwork of North Carolina’s A&B Emblem Co. 5. There’s also a more refined option. While the Hamilton jacket is entrenched in golf lore, champions and Augusta National members can also upgrade their green jacket. Since 1996, tailor Henry Poole of London’s famed Savile Row has been working with Augusta National to create bespoke, made-to-measure green blazers. In 2013 Simon Cundey, a director of Henry Poole, explained to Golf International that these high-end options use a high end pure wool crafted in West Yorkshire rather than the blend used in the American-made jackets. 6. Sam Snead was the first champion to get a jacket.

Getty Images Although the Masters began in 1934, the tradition of giving the champion his own green jacket didn’t take off until 1949 when Sam Snead donned the first champion’s jacket. The club then awarded retroactive jackets to all past champions. 7. The jacket the champion slips on isn’t the one he keeps. The defending champion helping the newly crowned winner into his green jacket is one of the Masters’ most iconic scenes. The winner won’t be keeping that jacket , though. During Sunday’s final round Augusta National officials eyeball the top contenders’ sizes and gather similarly built members’ jackets that can be used in the ceremony. After the photo op, the member gets his jacket back, and the champion receives a custom jacket a few weeks later. 8. The champ can wear the green jacket anywhere he wants, but only for one year. Getty Images Until the following year’s Masters, the defending champ can don the green jacket any time he leaves the house for an event or, in Phil Mickelson’s case, a Krispy Kreme run. After that year is over, he has to return the jacket to the club. It will be waiting for him each year when he returns for the Wednesday night Champions Dinner. 9.

Gary Player ignored this rule. After Player won his first Masters in 1961, he took his green jacket home to South Africa. When he returned for the 1962 tournament, he forgot to bring the jacket with him. Once the club discovered this lapse, Clifford Roberts gave Player a call to ask him to return the jacket. Player has recalled the conversation with Roberts in interviews. “I said, ‘Well, you can come and fetch it.’” According to Player, Roberts saw the humor in the situation but implored him, “No, in all seriousness, please don’t ever wear it in public.” Player has since complied with the request. 10. It took Jack Nicklaus a long time to get his own jacket. Getty Images After the Golden Bear claimed the first of his record six Masters titles in 1963, the ceremonial jacket that defending champ Arnold Palmer helped him into was comically oversized. Nicklaus later laughed , “It was like an overcoat. It just hung on me.” When Nicklaus returned to Augusta to defend his title in 1964, he was surprised to find that the club hadn’t slipped a properly sized blazer into his locker.

Always a cool customer, the Golden Bear improvised by borrowing the jacket of Thomas Dewey, the former governor of New York, Augusta member, and presidential candidate who’s best remembered for not defeating Harry Truman in 1948. Even after Nicklaus won the Masters in 1965 and 1966, no jacket appeared. Dewey’s jacket fit Nicklaus, and the legend kept borrowing it for the annual Champions Dinner. By 1972, Nicklaus realized he needed to stop borrowing Dewey’s jacket. Rather than raise a fuss, he asked Hart, Schaffner, & Marx, with whom he had a clothing deal, to create a green jacket for him. It wasn’t quite the perfect copy. “It wasn’t even the same material or the right color,” Nicklaus remembered in 1999. After a couple of years in this fake jacket, he reverted to quietly borrowing green jackets from members. Finally, in 1997 Nicklaus mentioned to Augusta’s chairman, Jackson Stephens, that he had never received a green jacket of his own.

Stephens was initially incredulous, but after hearing Nicklaus’s story, he told the six-time champ to go get fitted for a much-delayed trophy. By this point, Nicklaus enjoyed regaling friends with the story of how he didn’t own a jacket and didn’t want to shake things up, but when he turned up for the 1998 Masters, he finally had his own green jacket. 11. They’re the holy grail of golf memorabilia. Augusta National is smart to keep the jackets on its grounds. Although the jackets are rumored to only cost around $250 to make , memorabilia collectors will pay big bucks for a chance to own golf’s most iconic offer. In 2013, relatives of Horton Smith, who won the tournament in 1934 and 1936, found his green jacket in a closet. They put the prized garment up for auction, where it fetched $682,229.45 , a record price for golf memorabilia. Does Bubba Watson get two green jackets as a multiple Masters champion? Does Bubba Watson get two green jackets as a multiple Masters champion?

Shane Bacon Share View photos Defending Masters' champion Adam Scott, of Australia, helps Bubba Watson, left, with his green jacket after winning the Masters golf tournament Sunday, April 13, 2014, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) More Bubba Watson won his second Masters title in three years at Augusta National on Sunday, joining a very elite group of guys that have been able to take down Augusta multiple times. It was an incredible accomplishment for a guy that has only two other top-10s in all the majors combined, and his win brought about a few questions about the history of the Masters. First, does Bubba get a second green jacket to go along with the one he received in 2012? The answer, unfortunately, is no. Augusta National awards you one green jacket after your first win, and if you win any other Masters after that, you get that same jacket presented to you.

The difference with the win is that you're allowed to take your green jacket home for an entire year, eventually returning it to Augusta National when the next Masters begins (they keep the jackets in house, and allow you to wear them when you're on the grounds). So, someone like Jack Nicklaus doesn't have six different green jackets to pick from, just one jacket that accounts for all his wins at the opening major championship of the year (and you'll love this story about Nicklaus not even having his own green jacket until 1998). And if Bubba is lucky enough to win the Masters in 2015, who will present him with the green jacket if he goes back-to-back? That honor is bestowed on the chairman of Augusta National at the time, who would be Billy Payne if Bubba was able to pull off that incredible accomplishment. As you see below, Tiger Woods received his 2002 Masters green jacket from Hootie Johnson, the chairman of Augusta National at the time, after his back-to-back win at Augusta.

View photos Masters 2014: Bubba Watson wins second Green Jacket in three years | Sport | The Guardian Masters 2014: Bubba Watson wins second Green Jacket in three years • Closing 69 secures three-shot victory for American • Jonas Blixt and Jordan Spieth tie for second place Masters 2014: Bubba Watson wins second Green Jacket in three years • Closing 69 secures three-shot victory for American • Jonas Blixt and Jordan Spieth tie for second place Monday 14 April 2014 03.15 EDT First published on Monday 14 April 2014 03.15 EDT Close This article is 2 years old Nobody can claim Gerry Lester "Bubba" Watson won his second Masters in three years the easy way. Not with a straight face, at least. Watson let a three-shot lead fritter away on Saturday. As Jordan Spieth brilliantly holed out from the bunker at the front of the 4th green during round four, Watson trailed the 20-year-old by the same margin.

Watson matched Spieth's birdie two, moments later; the battle between eccentric major winner and fresh-faced pretender had commenced. This slugging match continued until the crucial period of this, the 78th Masters. Spieth stumbled from eight to five under from the 8th tee to the 12th green. As Spieth left his tee shot at the 12th short and in Rae's Creek, Watson had claimed a level of initiative that he didn't look of a mind to throw away. Watson sat at seven under by the end of the same stretch, with his score and advantage improved further with a birdie on a 13th hole which a combination of power and technology allows the left-hander to butcher. At nine minutes to seven local time, Watson confirmed his aggregate total of 280, eight under par and three better than both Spieth and Sweden's Jonas Blixt. A three-stroke lead on the 72nd tee was comfortable enough, even for this jittery and emotional character. Watson still took three-wood, just to be safe. He has been re-acquainted with the Green Jacket. Augusta National has been witness once again to Watson's victory tears.

Starting with Mike Weir, there have now been six left-handed winners of the Masters since 2003. So Watson joins an illustrious list. The stellar names who have won this famous tournament more than once include Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Tiger Woods, Tom Watson, Sam Snead, Gary Player, Ben Hogan and Seve Ballesteros. Just like Horton Smith, the very first Masters victor, Watson's three-year run here reads: win, loss, win. And all this, for a man who has never had a single golf lesson, let alone a coach. For all the intensity and drama of day four, and there was plenty, a glance back to Friday is necessary in the context of Watson's success. Then, he embarked on a run of five back-nine birdies in a row which kick-started not only the champion in waiting but the event itself. At the time, Watson's spell looked ominous for the remainder of the field; it ultimately proved precisely that. Even in defeat, Spieth emerges with immense credit. He was seeking to become the youngest ever winner of the Masters. Only three players in history had claimed the first major of the year on their debut.

Instead, the Texan fell narrowly short but displayed a spirit and maturity in defeat which many of his professional elders should take note of. He simply refused to give up, as a superb chip from the right of the 17th green which almost dropped into the cup illustrated. Spieth won the hearts of the golfing public in Georgia and identified himself as this sport's brightest young star. More importantly, he proved both to himself and others that he can go toe-to-toe with the best without feeling in any way inadequate. "It still stings, as any close call in a major would do," Spieth admitted. Given Spieth's showing, there would be an argument for experience being overrated, but for the exploits of Miguel Ángel Jiménez. The 50-year-old pot-bellied, chain smoking Spaniard recorded his best ever Masters finish of fourth. Never mind thoughts of a vice-captaincy role at the Ryder Cup in September, Jiménez has every chance of playing in it. "Yes, technology helps me," Jiménez said. "Of course. But if you don't know how to hit the ball then technology doesn't do anything." Blixt, too, is worthy of immense praise.

The 29-year-old Swede carded four sub-par rounds on his maiden Augusta appearance. He'll be a force, here and elsewhere, in the near future. As ever on the Sunday of a major championship, there were early charges. Rory McIlroy made one, with the Northern Irishman clawing back to level par from a starting point of plus three by the time he reached the 13th tee. However, McIlroy's second shot to that hole, a generous par five, fell agonisingly into the water hazard and that was that. McIlroy can file this tournament firmly in the category of what might have been. Still, there was a first ever place inside the top 10 as a consolation. "I played the par fives in even par this week, which you just can't do out here," McIlroy admitted. "I'm even par for the tournament and even par for the par fives. You are looking to play the par fives somewhere around 10 to 12 under par. Obviously if I had done that it would have been a different story." Matt Kuchar held more legitimate aspirations of glory.

Kuchar chipped in for a dramatic birdie from the back of the 3rd green and tied for the lead but then four-putted the next hole and was never a threat thereafter. Lee Westwood, who finished seventh, used the putter three times from 10ft on the 4th to trigger a double bogey. He was only ever going to make up the numbers after that. "I had a chance and didn't put any pressure on," admitted the Englishman. It is an all-too familiar major story, as Westwood knows all too well. Watson's narrative, specifically in relation to Augusta National, is one of stunning success. If you are going to be a horse for a particular course, where better to choose? History of the Masters Golf Tournament - Green Jacket livelux Augusta , golf , golf tournament , Green Jacket , Masters Tournament The Masters Golf Tournament is one of the two golf majors that has a permanent home. The Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, plays host to the annual golf competition that’s rich in both history and tradition.

Bob Jones and Clifford Roberts purchased the Fruitlands Nurseries in 1931, and with the help of golf architect “supremo”, Alister Mackenzie, turned the turf into one of the finest and most traditional golf courses in the world. They proceeded to invite all of the top American golfers of the era to an inaugural tournament on March 22, 1934. Six years later, the Masters was re-scheduled to be played the first full week in April. Since then, the Augusta National has played host to one of the most illustrious events on the international golf calendar. Masters Golf Tournament is golf’s most unique major championship and is possibly most famous for its ceremony of the tournament winner. Each year the victor is awarded a Green Jacket, usually presented by the previous year’s winner. However, on three occasions there has been a successful defense of the crown. The first instance was in 1966 when Jack Nicklaus personally slipped the jacket on himself. The Augusta golf crowd was highly delighted that day. It now seems a fitting gesture from the golf legend who would go on to win The Masters six times in his successful career.

Although dominated by American golfers initially, South African legend Gary Player broke the international drought by winning the U.S. Masters title in 1961. Prior to that time, American giant Arnold Palmer, had made the course and title his own. On other occasions, such as with Nick Faldo in 1990 and Tiger Woods in 2002, the club chairman was on hand to check that the famous jacket’s collar was straight. It was way back in 1949, that the first Green Jacket was awarded. That year the Masters champion was Sam Snead. The prestigious Masters Golf Tournament takes place in breathtakingly beautiful surroundings. The course is famous for its Azalea-draped scenery. The golf course was built on the former Fruitland Nurseries. Its heritage is still obvious today, beautifully showcasing many varieties of shrubs and trees that decorate the golf course. In fact, every hole takes the name of a different plant. For example, the 13th is called Azalea, while the 3rd is called Flowering Peach. Only one hole is not protected by a bunker – the 14th. The greens at Augusta are known to be notoriously fast.

The 2010 Masters will be more significant than usual, due to the return of Tiger Woods to golf after his highly publicized extra-marital affairs. The Masters Green Jacket - made in Britain - Golf Monthly 0shares The famous Masters Green Jacket is tailored in London from cloth made in West Yorkshire Adam Scott of Australia presents Bubba Watson with the Masters Green Jacket after the 2014 Masters Tournament. Credit: Getty Images The cloth for the Masters Green Jackets is made in West Yorkshire, by textile company Bower Roebuck. It is dyed and finished in turn by two more West Yorkshire firms. It is then despatched to London to Savile Row tailor Henry Poole & Co. Bower Roebuck & Co. Ltd dates from 1899 when the new company name was registered. But the company has already existed for 100 years and fabric production on that site had been going on since the 16th century. Ronald Hall, managing director at Bower Roebuck, told the Huddersfield Daily Examiner: “We have had a very long-term relationship with Augusta National. “The fabric is used by members of the club.

We may get one order every two years to supply 130 metres – enough cloth to make 60 jackets.” “We need to be confident of the quality of the cloth and the consistency of colour. Dyeing nowadays is a very high-tech business, but it still comes down to what the eye can detect.” The official colour of the Augusta National Green Jacket is ‘Masters Green‘. The jackets are single breasted with a single vent. The breast pocket and the buttons sport the club logo. The Masters logo on the breast pocket of the Masters Green Jacket. Credit: Getty Images The jacket a first-time winner is presented with in the immediate aftermath of his victory is borrowed off an Augusta member with roughly the same build as the winner. Later the winner gets measured for a jacket which is made specifically for him by Henry Poole & Co. The Masters champion can keep his Masters Green Jacket for a year, and then he has to return it to the Augusta National Golf Club where it remains. However it does remain ’his’ and he can wear it when he is at the golf club – but only there. The Masters Green Jacket was introduced in 1937.

The idea was that Augusta National members would wear these jackets during the US Masters tournament so as to signal to members of the public needing guidance who to approach. The first jackets were bought from the Brooks Uniform Company in New York. But they were not popular with members, who found the material too thick and so the jacket uncomfortably warm in good weather. So within several years the club introduced a lightweight, made-to-order jacket. Augusta National Golf Club - Wearing a Green Jacket Out and About in New York City By Sam Dangremond Apr 10, 2013 "If you're ever at Wheatley Hills, you can always stop by and play golf with me," Bob Visucci, a middle-aged man in a leather jacket, said as we were riding the shuttle to Grand Central Terminal last Friday. "It's on Long Island. We hosted a U.S. Open qualifying round. That's our claim to fame." Visucci made the offer after noticing my green sport coat, a nearly flawless replica of the jacket issued to all 300 or so members of Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, GA, people like Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, Jack Welch, and, as of eight months ago, Condoleezza Rice.

The only other way to get the jacket I had on is to win the Masters Tournament, which kicks off today and is one of the four major annual professional golf tournaments. Each winner since Sam Snead in 1949 has received a jacket, presented by the winner of the previous year's tournament at the awards ceremony outside near the 18th green. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below Reportedly members are not allowed to wear these jackets off the club premises, although the reigning champion is allowed to wear his around during the year after his win. eBay is a great source for Augusta National memorabilia, and it's where I find my imitation garment. Since I bear a slight resemblance to last year's winner, Bubba Watson, I decided to wear my green jacket out and about New York City in the week before the Masters. Most Popular On the 1 train to Times Square, a group of five teenagers alternated between staring at me and whispering to one another. After the first stop, one came over and asked, "Are you a golfer?" I told him I was indeed—technically true, though I can barely get even odds against my younger brother, let alone against a field of PGA pros.

He asked if he could take a picture with me. Another young man, dressed in a black fleece jacket, was not as brave. He whispered to an older woman with him, "I think he won the Masters," before surreptitiously snapping a picture of me with his iPhone. "Play golf? I saw the jacket and I said I gotta see," Visucci said when he first spoke to me. Not knowing enough about Watson's background—to say nothing about my skills at golf—I decided the ruse would be more believable if I said I was the youngest member of Augusta National. "So is this some type of hazing? They make you wear the jacket though Penn Station and Grand Central?" The photo shoot had been scheduled near the clock tower in Grand Central during rush hour. While I waited for Hearst photographer, Kelly Stuart, to get situated on the Apple Store balcony, a fashionable man in an Italian suit and tie asked the whereabouts of Track 19. When I said I didn't know he raised his eyebrows to indicate his annoyance, then added, without breaking stride, "You've got the jacket!" The photograph required a 22-second exposure—a lot of standing still.

One girl in a group of teenagers took a picture of me with a camera phone, then whispered, "Are you frozen in place?" A few members of a high school Amnesty International club from Hamden, CT, heading home on the Metro-North after an afternoon protesting at several embassies, spotted the jacket. "You guys just admitted Condoleezza Rice—what do you think about that?" Jordan Coley, the most outspoken of the group, asked. "Have you seen her play?" Not yet, but I said I would be there for the tournament this week (more role play for the sake of journalism). One of Coley's friends wanted to know how one becomes a member of Augusta National. Another asked what sort of privileges members received. They all wanted a picture with the man they believed to be the youngest member. The reactions of the older passersby were ostensibly more restrained. "You didn't win that, did you?" a man in his mid-50s said. I used the youngest member line again. "Oh, congratulations!" he said before offering his outstretched palm for a handshake. Another man simply asked if I was going "there" next week.

When I said yes, the man offered his concise assessment: "Very nice place." I only wish I was actually attending the Masters this weekend so that I could pass along a message. Condoleezza, if you're reading this, Jordan Coley says hello. He thinks it's great that the 80-year-old club finally dropped its male-only membership rule and admitted you.

Question: In which sport would the winner be presented with 'The Green Jacket'?
Answer: Golf